Iraq - The Marine Corps Wants Out

The suggestion was raised in a session last week convened by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates for the Joint Chiefs of Staff and regional war-fighting commanders. While still under review, its supporters, including some in the Army, argue that a realignment could allow the Army and Marines each to operate more efficiently in sustaining troop levels for two wars that have put a strain on their forces.

Right now, we have 160,000 troops in Iraq. Various factions have been flapping their gums about bringing approximately 30,000 of them out very soon (you know, that famous 'surge' that worked so well). That would leave approximately 130,000. 25,000 of these are members of the USMC.

No word yet on just how many Marines will go from Iraq to Afghanistan (a legal war that actually has the support of the American people, not to mention NATO and a coalition of the actually willing). The lot? That would leave the remaining troops occupying Iraq in a very bad position indeed. Especially now that the British are planning to halve their troop commitment in Iraq and are not even making a pretext at holding on to Basra.

As I've pointed out before, U.S. military supply lines run from Kuwait through Basra to wherever our troops are stationed. That is also the military's path to withdrawal of the troops. Till now, the various Shi'ite militias are leaving the U.S. military alone.

However, should things change - should we bomb their fellow Shia in Iran, should one faction win a clear military victory over the others, should they decide to unite against us - our troops are fucking fried. The only way to get out will be through hostile territory in al-Anbar province, a hotbed of Sunni resistance which has only been placated with large gifts of arms and money to keep them from attacking our troops. If they see Americans on the run, why wouldn't they join in with the Shia in wiping out the troops?

It's either flee through al-Anbar into Saudi, or pull back into Baghdad and get airlifted out. Both bad choices.

Please, if you care at all about what's left of the military, please urge your Congresscritter to get them the hell out of that rapidly closing death trap.